Bitter Lost of ROK President’s Party

The People’s Power Party of Republic of Korea, to which the President Yoon Suk Yeol is affiliated, suffered from a bitter defeat in general election of the National Assembly, giving a significant blow to Yoon. The election was recognized as a mid-term estimation on Yoon administration, which had embarked on May 2022, reflecting low approval of the people against Yoon’s policy handlings. The decline of political power of Yoon, who has been taking moderate stance toward Japan, is an uncomfortable result for the government of Japan.

The leading opposition party, the Democratic Party, gained 175 seats out of 300, adding 19 to the majority before election. PPP resulted in saving 108 seats, reducing 6. The Rebuilding Korea Party, a new liberal-leaning party led by former Minister of Justice in previous Moon Jae In administration Cho Kuk, won 12 seats. Possible cooperation between DP and RKP enables “fast track” procedures in the assembly, in which they can pass a bill dismissing opposition of the president’s party. The fast track requires three-fifths of majority, or 180 votes, or more.

 

Yoon conceded to the people’s frustration against his administration. “I would humbly receive voices of the people and reform national politics, and do my best to stabilize economy and people’s life,” told Yoon. The head of PPP, Han Dong-hoon, apologized as the representative of the party not being chosen by the people and announced his resignation to take responsibility for the defeat. Prime Minister, Han Duck-soo, also announced his stepping down.

 

Knowing the public frustration against inflation in commodity prices and arrogant handling of politics, the opposition parties defined the election as the judgement for Yoon administration. “It is a great victory of the people,” said the leader of DP, Lee Jae-myung. Cho insisted his intention to promote investigation against the first lady, Kim Keon Hee, on the doubt of manipulating stock price.

 

The opposition parties can cooperate with each other in accusing Yoon of his appeasing diplomacy toward Japan. Yoon made a deal with Japan to settle the dispute over wartime forcible mobilization by Japanese corporations, to which ROK Supreme Court sentenced compensation for the victims. While Yoon decided to pay the compensation through a newly established foundation under ROK government, the opposition parties regarded the deal as the biggest shame in history.

 

Diplomacy led by Yoon has been preferable for Japanese government. Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, accumulated meetings with Yoon, including a trilateral talk including US President Joe Biden in Camp David last year. “We will keep close communication with ROK government so that the both nations can sustainably realize improvement of bilateral relationship,” told Chief Cabinet Secretary, Yoshimasa Hayashi, on the result of general election.

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